whom his words had made a deep
impression, and who desired to save his life. He was visited by
dignitaries of the church, and urged to submit himself to the council. The
most brilliant prospects were presented before him as the reward of
renouncing his opposition to Rome. But like his Master, when offered the
glory of the world, Jerome remained steadfast.

"Prove to me from the Holy Writings that I am in error," he said, "and I
will abjure it."

"The Holy Writings!" exclaimed one of his tempters, "is everything then to
be judged by them? Who can understand them till the church has interpreted
them?"

"Are the traditions of men more worthy of faith than the gospel of our
Saviour?" replied Jerome. "Paul did not exhort those to whom he wrote to
listen to the traditions of men, but said, 'Search the Scriptures.' "

"Heretic!" was the response, "I repent having pleaded so long with you. I
see that you are urged on by the devil."(151)

Erelong sentence of condemnation was passed upon him. He was led out to
the same spot upon which Huss had yielded up his life. He went singing on
his way, his countenance lighted up with joy and peace. His gaze was fixed
upon Christ, and to him death had lost its terrors. When the executioner,
about to kindle the pile, stepped behind him, the martyr exclaimed, "Come
forward boldly; apply the fire before my face. Had I been afraid, I should
not be here."

His last words, uttered as the flames rose about him, were a prayer.
"Lord, Almighty Father," he cried, "have pity on me, and pardon me my
sins; for Thou knowest that I have always loved Thy truth."(152) His voice
ceased, but his lips continued to move in prayer. When the fire had done
its work, the ashes of the martyr, with the earth upon which they rested,
were gathered up, and like those of Huss, were thrown into the Rhine.

So perished God's faithful light-bearers. But the light of the truths
which they proclaimed,--the light of their heroic example,--could not be
extinguished. As well might men attempt to turn back the sun in its course
as to prevent the dawning of that day which was even then breaking upon
the world.

The execution of Huss had kindled a flame of indignation and horror in
Bohemia. It was felt by the whole nation that he had fallen a prey to the
malice of the priests and the treachery of the emperor. He was declared to
have been a faithful teacher of the truth, and the council that decreed
his death was charged wit